"Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, has been given new powers under the government's emergency measures to unlock stalled housing projects. He can now intervene in delayed schemes and approve planning permission for larger developments, including some green belt sites. While the move promises faster construction, experts warn that high costs and local opposition could still slow progress."
"The emergency package focuses on giving the Mayor tools to unblock stalled sites. He can take control of planning decisions for schemes that local boroughs have been slow to approve or are inclined to refuse. For larger projects over 1,000sqm, including some on green belt land, City Hall can now act as the decision-maker, bypassing local vetoes."
"Alongside these powers, developers may benefit from a streamlined planning process for sites committing to at least 20% affordable housing, temporary relief from development levies, and a £322 million City Hall Developer Investment Fund to support construction. Certain design rules are also being relaxed to allow higher-density developments while maintaining basic standards for ventilation, daylight, and privacy."
The Mayor of London can now take over planning decisions for stalled or refused schemes, including larger projects over 1,000sqm and some green belt sites. Developers committing to at least 20% affordable housing may use a streamlined planning route, receive temporary relief from development levies, and access a £322 million City Hall Developer Investment Fund to support construction. Design rules will be relaxed to permit higher-density developments while maintaining ventilation, daylight, and privacy standards. Target areas include outer and central boroughs with low housing starts or complex approvals, potentially unlocking thousands of homes. High costs and local opposition remain significant obstacles.
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